As the federal situation continues to evolve, we are working hard to move as effectively as possible through this dynamic and changing landscape. I hear both your frustrations and fears around the many unknowns. I also appreciate the combined strength of the teams at UW Medicine, UW and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) who are actively pursuing paths that maintain our mission and meet legal requirements.
Here are the latest federal and state policy updates:
- Washington State Proposed Furloughs: Governor Ferguson recently proposed a handful of initiatives to address a state budget shortfall, including a one-day-a-month furlough for state employees. This proposal would need to be approved by the state legislature. Concurrently, the governor stated that no vital services would be cut. It is quite possible these proposed furloughs will not impact UW or UW Medicine. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
- Research: The Washington State AGO is part of a 22-state suit against the administration’s order to reduce the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indirect cost rates. On March 5, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction that prohibits any changes to the indirect cost rates while the suit proceeds. Nevertheless, we understand that NIH grant review and awards are not flowing normally. Study section scheduling has resumed this week. We are awaiting guidance from UW on policies around noncompeting renewals from NIH. Please continue to refer to the Guidance on Federal Administration Research Policy.
- Researchers, if you receive compliance questionnaires from federal agency sponsors, please do not complete the questionnaires. Reach out immediately to the Office of Sponsored Programs for guidance: osp@uw.edu.
- For those unfamiliar with the importance of indirect costs rates, you can learn more here about the importance of this funding to deliver medical advances.
Gender-Affirming Care (GAC): On Feb. 28, 2025, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking certain sections of EOs 14168 and 14187. UW Medicine has not changed the gender-affirming care we provide to our patients.
Please remember to check the UW Medicine Federal Policy Updates site for updates in real time. As you have questions and comments, please submit them to the Federal Policy Updates Feedback Form. Thank you for all that you do to support our mission and thank you for continuing to support one another.
Sincerely,
Timothy H. Dellit, MD (He, Him, His)
CEO, UW Medicine
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and
Paul G. Ramsey Endowed Dean of the School of Medicine,
University of Washington
